HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - PB - 02/01/2017 Planning Board Meeting APPROVED MINUTES 1 of 2
February 1,2017
COHASSET PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
DATE: FEBRUARY 1,2017
TIME: 7:00 PM
PLACE: COHASSET TOWN HALL—BASEMENT MEETING ROOM
41 HIGHLAND AVENUE, COHASSET,MA 02025
Board Members Present: Clark H. Brewer, Chair (CB)
David Drinan,Vice Chair (DD)
Brian Frazier, Clerk (BF)
Michael Dickey,Liaison to CPC (MD)
Charles A. Samuelson(CS)
Erik Potter,Associate Member(EP)
Board Members Absent:
Recording Secretary Present: Jo-Ann M. Pilczak
CALLED TO ORDER AT: 7:03 P.M.
7:03 P.M. PLANNING BOARD MEMBER UPDATES
(MD): CPC 1.) Historical Society was first before CPC seeking $128,000 to fix up the Bates Chandlery. They
are now asking the CPC to fund 100% which is not typically done. 2.) Baseball fields: CPC had initially
authorized $33,000 to refurbish fields. Applicants returned to inform CPC that they wanted to repurpose the funds
for something else—they were not seeking more funds.
(DD): Town Hall Renovation Advisory Committee has selected 4 finalists for interviews. Committee was also
looking at other potential suitable locations in case they were asked about alternatives. They had identified an
existing building on Rt. 3A(which might not have enough parking and a septic system that might not be adequate
for this purpose) and a"Campus" concept near the Library and Senior Center.
(CS): Master Plan Committee (MPC) had its first meeting— same presentation (as given by MAPC) as to how to
conduct a Master Plan was the topic for the first meeting.
7:17 P.M. ZBA RECOMMENDATIONS
• 99 BORDER STREET SPECIAL PERMIT APPLICATION
In attendance to represent agenda item: John Cavanaro, Cavanaro Consulting Inc.
Materials and documents submitted,utilized at this meeting (On file in Planning Board Office
- ZBA Application
- Architectural plans AE101, AE102, A101, A201, A201 prepared by A. Kearney Architecture, dated:
01/03/17
- Site Plan ZBA,prepared by Cavanaro Consulting, dated: 01/09/17
- Cover letter from Attorney Adam Brodsky, dated: 01/11/17
- Background information letter from Attorney Adam Brodsky, dated: 01/11/17
- Copy of Attorney Henderson 01/31/17 letter to Jeff Summers, Conservation Commission with complaint
pending in Land Court, date stamped: 02/01/17
Existing dwelling is non-conforming in setback, lot size, building coverage and lot coverage. Plan is to demo the
structure and reduce its footprint which will improve its non-conforming nature by eliminating the front setback
non-conformity (based on average setback of adjacent buildings), matching the Northerly side non-conformity
and reducing the Southerly side non-conformity. Existing conditions include a 43.3% lot coverage (up to 30% is
allowed) and 26.2% building coverage ( up to 25% allowed), both of which will be reduced in some respects.
This is a waterfront property so the will going to Conservation Commission as well. Applicant is seeking special
permit to extend and maintain existing non-conformities. Property is within a flood plain but they will be working
well above the flood plain. Current garage is dysfunctional in its size so a conforming garage will be added.
Henderson spoke on behalf of the abutters—there is a lawsuit in Land Court over approx. 1000 sq.ft. of land which
the abutter claims to own and which would reduce the size of the 99 Border St. lot. Abutter has requested of all
agencies having jurisdiction over this to continue pending the Land Court determination. The applicants do not
Planning Board Meeting APPROVED MINUTES 2 of 2
February 1,2017
want to do this as Land Court could take 18 or more months. Henderson proposed to Planning Board (as he will
propose to Conservation Commission) that since this application is on the ZBA February 7 agenda and will not
close on February 7, that they defer their recommendation to the February 15 Planning Board meeting. The Board
would still be able to forward their recommendation to the ZBA after the Planning Board February 15 meeting. If
they decide not to go forward, pending the Land Court outcome, then no harm is done. He is only asking the
Board to wait in giving their recommendation until it is determined that the ZBA will entertain this. Abutters do
not object to the new house, but if they don't know where the lot lines are, pending the Land Court decision, they
do not want to have the house built and then find out that they own 1000 sq.ft. of land that is depicted on the
application and plans as belonging to the applicant. Cavanaro countered that the land does not change the essence
of the proposal — the proposal was designed as if the applicant does not own that property — regardless of the
outcome,the property will become less non-conforming. Planning Board felt the Land Court determination would
not impact their recommendation.
MOTION: By Member Samuelson to recommend the ZBA issue a Special Permit based upon the plans
the Planning Board reviewed at this meeting.
SECOND: Member Dickey
VOTE: 5-0 MOTION CARRIES
7:29 P.M. 8 JAMES LANE & 2 PLEASANT ST. - DISCUSSION OF MINOR MODIFICATIONS TO
PARKING & LANDSCAPE PLAN
In attendance to represent agenda item: Paul Sullivan.
Materials and documents submitted,utilized at this meeting (On file in Planning Board Office):
- Landscape Plan Drawing#6,prepared by Amy Martin Landscape Design, dated: 11/07/16
- Plan C5—Grading Plan, prepared by MacKenzie Engineering, revision date: 10/24/16
- Plan C3—Layout Plan, prepared by MacKenzie Engineering, revision date: 10/24/16
- CDI 11/02/16 and 02/01/17 review memos
Modzelewski reviewed all outstanding items as highlighted in his 11/02/16 memo (which see). Board was
somewhat confused by the plans that were submitted as existing and proposed were not easily and clearly
identified. Town Counsel noted that he thought the applicant was asking for modification to the approved plan—at
a minimum, there should be a letter with a list of what they are asking to modify — he is concerned about the
enforceability - the modification(s) should be clearly defined. Board could not adequately review tonight due to
the lack of clarity as to existing approved conditions and proposed modifications. Sullivan will work with his
consultants and put together a consolidated plan and key showing original approvals and proposed changes.
8: 05 P.M. ADMINISTRATION
- VOTE TO APPROVE JANUARY 18, 2017 MEETING MINUTES
MOTION: By Member Drinan to approve the January 18, 2017 meeting minutes
SECOND: Member Frazier
VOTE: 5—0 MOTION CARRIES
- VOTE TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR PERIOD ENDING JANUARY 22,2017
MOTION: By Member Frazier to approve the payroll for period ending January 22,2017
SECOND: Member Drinan
VOTE: 5-0 MOTION CARRIES
- VOTE TO RATIFY C.BREWER SIGNATURE ON INVOICES: no invoices
MOTION: By Member Drinan to adjourn at 8:10 PM
SECOND: Member Dickey
VOTE: 5-0 MOTION CARRIES
NEXT MEETINGS: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2017 AT 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES APPROVED: BRIAN FRAZIER, CLERK
DATE: FEBRUARY 15, 2017